I've also asked the tenant to send me some pictures or video. 

Welcome to real estate wholesaling and investing!

Hey Deirdre,To address your questions:Providing freedom by handling day-to-day operations.Offering peace of mind through proactive maintenance and tenant communication.Reducing risks by staying ahead of legal requirements, tenant screening, and dispute resolution.Enhancing the bottom line by identifying cost-saving opportunities while ensuring tenant satisfaction to reduce turnover.Is the experience still important when the property thrives financially?

I've paid for a handful of programs over the years from cheap to expensive and narrow-focused to broad-based. 

To become a true business owner or investor, you need to leverage your time through others.

@Jordan Brown It might be difficult to find properties in your price range unless you're willing to house hack.

You should have given written notice on the first day you became an owner and told them they must be out before February.

Definitely come to the Midwest with no debt

I am under contract to buy and flip a house that I am paying $615K for. 

If they need access to the property immediately, you can offer to leave to them until you are ready to close.